SCHOOL VIOLENCE
130. Hon DONNA FARAGHER to the Minister for Education and
Training:
I refer to the answer given to
question without notice 4, asked on 12 February 2019, regarding the new
alternative learning centres for the most violent students.
(1) On what date did each
alternative learning centre open?
(2) For each centre —
(a) will the minister provide a breakdown
of staff roles;
(b) have all staffing positions been
filled; and, if not, what vacancies remain at each centre;
(c) what is the maximum number of
students who can attend at any one time; and
(d) how many students are currently
enrolled?
(3) What is the process for selecting
students to attend these centres?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of this question.
(1) The alternative learning
settings program is a trial. It started on 4 February 2019.
(2) (a) Each program is staffed with
three FTE teachers and two FTE support staff.
(b) No. The
following vacancies remain: one support staff in the north metropolitan
setting; one teacher in the south metropolitan setting, because the teacher
initially appointed decided to return to their substantive position; and one
support staff in the regional setting. Processes to fill these positions are
underway.
(c) The
alternative learning settings program trial is only one option. It is important
to note that students will not remain in the alternative learning setting
indefinitely. Rather, the intention is to stabilise their behaviour and
identify other options when it is safe to do so. The program will be tailored
to the needs of each individual student in partnership with their parents or
caregivers. Each of the three trial sites can cater for 10 students per
program.
(d) Alternative
learning settings are not schools and therefore do not formally enrol students.
Students participate in the program through section 24 of the School Education
Act 1999, alternative attendance arrangements. Eight students are currently
participating in the programs. This number will increase over the coming weeks
as schools continue to implement the action plan to address violence in
schools.
(3) Students are
recommended for the program through the regional education office or the School
of Special Educational Needs: Behaviour and Engagement. Students excluded for
physical aggression are automatically considered for the program.